HOSHIARPUR, Jul 28: Hepatitis often damages the liver silently over several years before symptoms become evident. Viral hepatitis, particularly Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C, remains a significant health concern as untreated infections can gradually progress to liver cirrhosis, liver failure and even liver cancer, said Dr. Mukesh Kumar, senior consultant–gastroenterology, hepatology and liver diseases during a health talk to mark World Hepatitis Day at Livasa Hospital Hoshiarpur on Tuesday.
People should never ignore warning signs such as persistent fatigue, yellowing of the skin or eyes, dark urine, pale stools, abdominal discomfort, nausea, swelling of the abdomen, unexplained weight loss, itching or prolonged fever, he explained.
Those living with diabetes, obesity, fatty liver disease, excessive alcohol consumption, a family history of liver disease, or individuals who have received unscreened blood transfusions in the past should undergo periodic liver health assessments, advised Dr. Kumar.
Hepatitis B can be effectively prevented through vaccination, while modern antiviral therapies have made Hepatitis C curable in the vast majority of patients, he informed.
Adopting healthy eating habits, maintaining ideal body weight, limiting alcohol intake, practising good hygiene and seeking timely medical advice remain the cornerstone of protecting liver health, advised Dr Kumar.